Clearlake council approves multi‑agency co‑management agreement to protect Clear Lake and at‑risk hitch

The Clearlake City Council voted unanimously to approve a multi‑agency memorandum of understanding aimed at restoring the Clear Lake watershed and protecting the at‑risk Clear Lake hitch fish species.

Geneva Thompson of the California Natural Resources Agency described the agreement as “an exciting co management agreement, between 23 different government entities,” saying it institutionalizes ongoing state, local and tribal collaboration and aims to preserve the species and long‑term watershed health. City staff told the council the MOU records collaborative commitments but does not itself create a city funding obligation; future financial commitments would require separate action by each signatory. Council member Kramer moved to approve and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement; the motion passed unanimously.

The agreement’s goals include coordinated data‑sharing among agencies, strengthened grant management capacity, and focused protection for the Clear Lake hitch, which Thompson said faced an “extinction moment” about three years ago but was rescued through emergency efforts. Staff said a signing ceremony is expected in September and that tribal partners and several local governments are expected to sign. The council’s approval formalizes Clearlake’s participation in the regional restoration partnership and directs the city manager to finalize execution and follow‑up steps.